HBO changed its mind and just canceled its rock drama 'Vinyl'

Although a second season of the 1970s-set rock drama was previously ordered by HBO, the pay network is now cancelling the low-rated, but critically-acclaimed series.

“After careful consideration, we have decided not to proceed with a second season of ‘Vinyl,'” HBO told The Hollywood Reporter in a statement. “Obviously, this was not an easy decision. We have enormous respect for the creative team and cast for their hard work and passion on this project.”

In the beginning, HBO was sure it had a hit on its hands. With names like Martin Scorsese, Terence Winter, and Mick Jagger attached to “Vinyl,” it’s understandable that they felt confident about the show. HBO was so sure of the series’ success that it reportedly spent $30 million on the two-hour pilot and then renewed it for a second season after just one episode.

Then the reality of the situation hit. The premiere was viewed by less than a million live viewers, and things went downhill from there. What’s worse, for HBO specifically, is that “Vinyl” failed to inspire that kind of water-cooler talk the network is used to getting.

Why else would HBO change its mind on “Vinyl”? Aside from “Game of Thrones,” HBO’s dramas have been very disappointing. According to THR’s source, new programming president Casey Bloys wants to clear the way to put his own stamp on the network’s drama slate.